Kericho: Along the bustling route between Kericho Town and Kiprugut Chumo Stadium, the rhythmic sounds of hammers and saws underscore a transformative initiative. In Kericho's Jua Kali sector, what might seem like ordinary workshops are, in fact, spaces of renewal where vulnerable youth find second chances through craftsmanship.
According to Kenya News Agency, Emunga Naftali, a 52-year-old artisan and community mentor, spearheads this transformation. Through his organization, Trinato Africa, Naftali has been instrumental in helping dozens of young people escape cycles of poverty and vice by teaching them skills in woodwork, welding, and painting. Many of these youths were previously street children or commercial sex workers, now finding dignity and livelihood through their newfound skills.
Naftali's journey began when he decided to take direct action, bringing street children to his home, providing them with basic needs, and patiently teaching them craftsmanship. His approach emphasizes patience and care, ensuring that each participant is physically and emotionally stable before learning technical skills.
Over the past decade, many of Naftali's trainees have successfully started their own enterprises. His workshop serves as both a refuge and a training center, where young artisans transform discarded materials into functional products and cultural artifacts. Naftali, who founded Trinato Africa in 1998, initially focused on nurturing youth talent in drama and music but shifted to technical skills training to provide sustainable livelihoods.
His impact extends beyond individual success stories. County Development Officer Mitchelle Aburili praised Naftali's work, highlighting its alignment with government efforts to formalize and empower the Jua Kali sector. Support from the Micro and Small Enterprises Authority (MSEA) has included training in business registration and access to credit, enabling artisans to thrive within Kenya's creative economy.
Naftali's vision for the future includes establishing a cultural museum and resource center in Kericho, offering mentorship in various creative disciplines. His dedication has not only improved the lives of vulnerable youth but has also contributed to the preservation of Kenya's heritage through the production of over 1,800 cultural artifacts.
Naftali's belief in the potential of neglected youth has sparked a movement of transformation across Kericho. His work demonstrates that skills and belief in individuals can provide hope and a future, reshaping lives and communities one creation at a time.